The role of a father often intertwines with that of a business leader, creating a unique dynamic that shapes both family life and professional life, as the skills acquired in fatherhood can be surprisingly valuable for management. In celebration of Father's Day, we highlight stories of entrepreneurs who find in raising children an endless source of inspiration, learning, and growth. The combination of skills acquired with the arrival of heirs, such as patience, empathy, efficiency, and communication, reinforces their leadership and innovation capacity. We highlight the account of seven men who shared this transformation
Father of Ana Laura (16) and Pietro (12), Dr. Fábio Argenta, cardiologist, founding partner and medical director ofFree Health Vaccines, a network of clinics focused on vaccines that offer the most modern in preventive care, fatherhood teaches that managing children is the most complex, as it combines emotion with unconditional love. "Being a father has brought me fundamental lessons for an entrepreneur's life, because with them we learn and teach. And that's how it is in an entrepreneur's life, you have the same experience with your employees, partners, and other managers; it's a continuous exchange," comments Argenta.
The founding partner ofYour Nail Time, network of care for nails, hands, and feet, Fabrício de Almeida, father of Pedro (11) and Luiza (9), reveals that the main lesson that fatherhood has brought and applies in his entrepreneurial routine is responsibility."There is nothing greater and more precious than children; the awareness of providing the best leaves no room for mistakes in the career," comments Fabrício. For the entrepreneur, wisdom is necessary to choose the right and necessary battles to engage in, both in the education of children and in professional development and growth. He says that after becoming a father, a valuable lesson he learned was creativity. "The stimulation of curiosity to provide differentiated experiences and encourage critical thinking is fundamental to thinking and acting 'outside the box' as a franchisor," says Almeida.
Felipe Espinheira, vice president and founding partner ofYes! Cosmetics, is the father of Guilherme (16) and Fernando (15). He says that after the birth of his first child, he transformed and improved as an entrepreneur. "Becoming a father taught me the importance of setting boundaries both in children's learning and in entrepreneurship. Saying no when it needs to be no, saying yes when it needs to be yes, but knowing how to embrace and listen," says Felipe. For the entrepreneur, the second lesson, and the greatest challenge, is discipline. "What are the routines and rules that need to be followed and how to create them, from eating at home, brushing teeth, to starting to use deodorant, whatever it may be, as well as in the business aspect, especially as a franchisor, because we deal with dreams, expectations, and desires of franchisees who usually do not have a Plan B," explains Espinheira.
In turn, Dr. Edson Ramuth, founder and CEO ofEmagrecentro, a reference in weight loss and body aesthetics, learned from fatherhood that just like the development of her daughters, compliments can also positively impact business. "When children have correct attitudes, it is essential to praise them. Otherwise, it is also crucial to guide them. This support is the best way for children. In the corporate sphere, it is a way to encourage your employees to achieve their best performances and to work on their challenges," he says. The entrepreneur has four daughters: Illana (35), Sylvia (32), Larissa (24), and Catherine (12).
For Tiago Monteiro, founder ofPTC One, a multinational company that offers service solutions to engineering and technology challenges, the main lesson from fatherhood that he brought to business was resilience. Being a parent taught me that not everything always happens in our time or the way we plan. Just as children have their own rhythms and challenges, in the business environment, projects may also not turn out as expected and challenges can arise along the way. In both cases, being resilient to persist, adapt, and stay in search of solutions is essential to achieving success in business. The executive is the father of Maria Clara (9) and Alice Maria (3).
Father of Priscila (41), Leandro (40) and Daniel (39), Leonildo Aguiar, who is the founder and president ofHawks AcademyHe claims that fatherhood taught him about the importance of example. "As parents, we are being watched and influenced all the time. Just like in the business environment. Therefore, we have a responsibility towards those around us. People will absorb from our way of entrepreneurship. We must be careful to ensure these influences are positive, always valuing dedication, truth, and honesty," she reveals.
Yes, CEO.CredEasy, the largest credit franchise in Brazil, André Oliveira, is the father of Camila and Davi. For the entrepreneur, the children helped him improve his empathy and communication skills. "Understanding their needs and feelings has taught me to listen attentively and to offer support more compassionately to my team members. This ability to understand and communicate better has been essential for more effective leadership," she adds.
